How to Teach Dogs to Wear Clothes

Putting clothes on your dog is not an easy task initially. Just keeping the clothes on is half the battle, since your pup will most likely take it off first chance it gets. If you want to dress your dog to keep it warm during cool weather or to play dress-up for a special occasion, there are a few necessary training tips and procedures you should consider.

  1. Clothing Type

    • Choose simple clothing initially, that won't make the dog feel too uncomfortable. A sweater -- according to Dog Clothing Central -- is a good article of clothing to start with because it will get it used to wearing other pieces of clothing once it's comfortable with it for longer periods of time.

    Clothing Size

    • Conduct a dog fitting before making it wear any clothes. Experiment with various sizes that best work for its size. Refrain from using any clothes in the beginning with embellishments or distracting accessories, which may make your dog uncomfortable.

    Training

    • Begin the process of putting the clothes on by keeping the dog occupied. Give it a favorite chew toy or a bone to draw its attention away from the clothing. Speak soothing words to it while putting the clothes on, making sure to give it constant praise for cooperating.

    Dog Accessories

    • Apply hair bands to its fur gently to get it accustomed to wearing a hat or more elaborate costume accessories. Fit the band loosely over any area on its body that will later be used for the accessory. Be prepared for the dog to try to take it off. Replace it as many times as needed while praising it when she does not attempt to take it off.

    Rewarding

    • Continue praising and rewarding your dog every time it keeps the hair band and sweater on for longer periods of time. Work in short intervals; accept a few seconds as a win and then a full minute until it can keep it on for longer periods. Take the hair bow and sweater off after a full minute and reward the dog with a treat. Wait 30 to 60 minutes before placing the clothing piece back on. Leave it for a few more minutes and praise the dog again if he doesn't attempt to remove it.

    Completion

    • Refrain from leaving the article of clothing on for too long until it gets completely accustomed to the clothing. Once it gets more accustomed to the clothing, keep it on for 10- or 15-minute sessions and then gradually build up the length of time.